About RWI and our work in Africa
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) is an independent academic institution established in 1984. RWI has since 1990 carried out a wide range of research, academic education, and institutional capacity development programmes internationally in the human rights field. RWI ‘s mission is to contribute to a wider understanding of, and respect for, human rights and international humanitarian law. (see further http://rwi.lu.se/).

RWI has worked in Africa since the early 1990s through regional, sub-regional and bilateral cooperation programmes. Cooperation has on the regional level particularly focused on justice sector institutions of the African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), national human rights institutions (NHRIs), and academic institutions, whilst also including work in specialised areas with other actors, including civil society. RWI has over the years built extensive networks, knowledge and understanding in relation to human rights in the region.

For further information on the Raoul Wallenberg Institute’s regional cooperation in Africa, see https://rwi.lu.se/regional-africa-programme-2/.

Senior Liaison Officer (African Union, Addis Ababa)
In 2024, RWI is establishing a new regional cooperation programme in Africa expected to run until 2027. The programme involves cooperation with bodies of the AU, RECs and other relevant stakeholders on implementation of supranational human rights decisions / recommendations in Africa.

To enhance the impact of the programme and strengthen engagement with the AU and other relevant organisations based in Ethiopia, RWI has decided to established presence in Addis Ababa. The programme is managed from RWI’s regional Africa Office in Nairobi, which currently also manages RWI’s bilateral cooperation in Kenya.

The role as Senior Liaison Officer (SLO), based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aims to ensure effective planning, management, coordination and follow-up, as well as the further development, of the liaison work and activities of RWI, with primarily the AU in Addis Ababa. The SLO will hold a key role in strategically developing RWI’s role and partnership in relation to the AU, and other relevant organisations and institutions, in Addis Ababa. The SLO will for this purpose prepare analytical advice and reports and ensure strategic RWI representation in relevant fora. The SLO will actively work to mobilise resources for the work and for the pursuit of new opportunities to further human rights in the context of regional and other relevant cooperation in Africa. It is expected that the SLO also will be RWI’s representative in Ethiopia and as such will support the establishment of RWI’s presence in Addis Ababa. The SLO reports to the Regional Director – Africa at RWI’s office in Nairobi, Kenya.

Your profile
You have proven experience from relevant work in Africa with a strong network and good understanding of current human rights and development discourses and dynamics on the continent. You have excellent analytical skills and can quickly take in and interpret complex information. Your capabilities in drafting and negotiation are very strong and you thrive in contacts with others interacting effectively with integrity. Your English language writing and speaking skills are excellent (it is valued if you have knowledge of other AU languages). You have positive experience of fundraising, with documented success of cultivating new strategic partnerships. Finally, you have strong knowledge of the regional African system and related mechanisms. For the full description of duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the position please click here.

Application procedure
Apply for this role no later than 17 May 2024. An initial contract (full-time) until the end of 2024 is foreseen, which might be considered for possible extension, and with start date as soon as possible, subject to funding. An existing right to work in Ethiopia is required for the position.

For further information about the position, please contact Rakel Larsen Regional Director – Africa, at rakel.larsen@rwi.lu.se.

RWI offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with committed colleagues dedicated to human rights.

RWI promotes diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified persons, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, age, disability, or other protected status under the law.

We look forward to receiving your application!